By PR | 09:39 PM June 01, 2024
The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) – Bohol has finally unveiled the Important Cultural Property (ICP) marker of the Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Complex in Tagbilaran City.
Held last May 30, Thursday, the event is one of NMP’s initiatives aligned with its mandate on preserving cultural heritage and a highlight activity in culminating the annual National Heritage Month celebration.
The unveiled marker is a replacement for the 1955 marker when the Tagbilaran Cathedral was recognized by the Philippine Historical Commission or the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) today, for its historical significance.
In 2021, Most Reverend Bishop Alberto Uy and Msgr. Efren Bongay requested to replace the marker to correct some of its information inscribed.
Moreover, committed to making culture and arts a significant player in shaping a better future for every Bol-anon, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite extended the message from Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
“The Provincial Government (of Bohol) recognizes this, and as the Cathedral Shrine – Parish is recognized as an important cultural landmark in Tagbilaran City, we are also elated that recognition has been given for its centuries of service to the Boholano people,” the Governor said through the letter.
Aumentado also assured of the support for the success of initiatives aimed at harnessing the strength of Bohol’s identity and heritage as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines.
“As we aspire to become a smart, resilient, and inclusive province under this administration’s Strategic Change Agenda, the protection of our cultural heritage is something that we take seriously on the provincial level,” he added.
The origin of the Cathedral’s heritage stone structure can be traced before the eviction of the Jesuits, with a stone masonry base, a tabique pampango walls, and a nipa roof constructed in 1768 which was damaged by fire in 1798 along with its convent.
A new coral stone structure was constructed from around 1839 to 1855, during the tenure of Fr. Valero de San Sebastian, while Fr. Lucas Coromina expanded the convent in 1872. A year later, they installed a silver tabernacle and altar frontal with fine repoussé metalwork known as “Inisot” or Ysot engraving which still exists today.
The belfry was constructed from 1886 to 1891 by Fr. Jose Sanchez and it was completed during the time of Fr. Escolastico Enciso, who initiated the painting and decorations in the 1890s.
In the 20th century, it became a cathedral when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran on November 8, 1941.
Recognized for its exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, along with the former Capitol Building, Plaza Rizal, and Escuela Niñas, were declared as ICP by the NMP on June 27, 2019.
Present during the significant event were Bishop Uy and Msgr. Bongay representing the Diocese of Tagbilaran; Ma. Cecilia Tirol, NMP Director for the Visayas; Carminda Arevalo, Executive Director from the NHCP; Regalado Trota Jose, NHCP Commissioner; and Tagbilaran City Mayor, Hon. Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap. (PiMO/JSS)
